CVE-2024-37977 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows Server 2022, specifically version 10.0.20348.0. The vulnerability relates to the Secure Boot security feature, which is designed to ensure that only trusted software is loaded during the system boot process. A heap-based buffer overflow occurs when data exceeds the allocated buffer size on the heap, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory and execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely over a network (Attack Vector: Adjacent Network) with low attack complexity and does not require privileges or authentication, although it does require user interaction, such as convincing a user to perform an action that triggers the exploit. The impact of exploitation is severe, resulting in high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, meaning attackers could gain full control over the affected system, steal sensitive data, modify system configurations, or cause system outages. The CVSS vector indicates that the scope remains unchanged, but the exploit could bypass Secure Boot protections, undermining a critical security control. No public exploits are known at this time, but the vulnerability has been officially published and enriched by CISA, indicating its seriousness. The lack of available patches at the time of publication requires organizations to implement interim mitigations and prepare for prompt patch deployment once available.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-37977 is significant due to the widespread use of Windows Server 2022 in enterprise, government, and critical infrastructure environments. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of essential services, and potential lateral movement within networks. The bypass of Secure Boot undermines a foundational security mechanism, increasing the risk of persistent and stealthy attacks. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy, and public administration could face operational disruptions and data breaches, leading to regulatory penalties under GDPR and reputational damage. The requirement for user interaction may limit automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with remote access or social engineering vectors. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score necessitates urgent risk management and mitigation efforts.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches for Windows Server 2022 (build 10.0.20348.0) immediately upon release. 2. Restrict network access to Windows Server 2022 systems, especially those exposing Secure Boot functionalities, using firewalls and network segmentation to limit attack surface. 3. Implement strict user awareness training to reduce the likelihood of successful user interaction-based exploitation, emphasizing phishing and social engineering risks. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior related to Secure Boot processes and heap memory corruption indicators. 5. Regularly audit and harden Secure Boot configurations to ensure they adhere to best practices and have not been tampered with. 6. Use application whitelisting and code integrity policies to prevent unauthorized code execution. 7. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing Secure Boot bypass scenarios to enable rapid containment and remediation.